Refresh

<<energise>>

As continual busyness and giving out depletes our emotional and physical reserves we are commanded to work only six days a week so we can be refreshed on the seventh as God Himself was (Ex 20:8-11, 23:12, 31:17).

Peter’s instruction was “Repent so that times of refreshing may come from the Lord” (Act 3:19,20). When the sin issue, including unforgiveness, has been dealt with the conscience is at peace and the whole body can be truly rejuvenated. “Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength” (Isa 40:31).
The proper perspective is regained when the underlying issues are dealt with, our eyes are refocused away from self and the cares of this world to the Lord of glory and the victory that is ours because of Him (Heb 12:2).

As “He who refreshes others will himself be refreshed”, give from the river of life within to those who are feeling down so their spirit is uplifted and they regain a positive mindset (Prov 11:25; Jn 7:38). Paul said “Onesiphorus often refreshed me…he searched hard for me until he found me” (2 Tim 1:16,17). Bringing encouragement was a regular way of life for this faithful and diligent believer as it was also of Philemon who likewise ministered Jesus to others (Phm 1:7).

The principles of doing to others as we would they do to us, and sowing and reaping, should cause us to live outward focused lives touching those around us with the love and power of Jesus (Lk 6:31; Gal 6:7-10). Yet this can be draining, for even the Son of God was aware that power was flowing out of Him to the needy (Mk 5:30; Lk 6:19, 8:46). His

Spend time with the Lord, the Spirit of life, to be refreshed

remedy, was to spend extended time alone with His Father in intimate communion (Mt 14:23; Mk 6:46; Lk 5:16, 6:12).  We should follow His example for unless we proactively replenish what has been given out we have nothing to give and are in a vulnerable position. Time spent alone with God is where our spirits can be rejuvenated and renewed as we intentionally connect with the life giver (Jn 10:10, 14:6). “The [Word of God] is perfect, reviving the soul” (Ps 19:7). “The Lord is my shepherd…He restores my soul” (Ps 23:1,3). In humility and expectancy, allow Him to minister His energising power deep into your being, bringing healing and wholeness to every part, for we are engaged in a strenuous and demanding spiritual battle that we can only win as we live by His enabling.

See also: burnout, devotions, encouragement, freshness, renewal, rest.